Is there a place for young children in the modern-day UK church? Investigating approaches to faith nurture in the early years
Journal article
Holmes, Sarah E., Olorenshaw, Emma and Casson, Ann 2024. Is there a place for young children in the modern-day UK church? Investigating approaches to faith nurture in the early years. British Journal of Religious Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/01416200.2024.2373756
Authors | Holmes, Sarah E., Olorenshaw, Emma and Casson, Ann |
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Abstract | This phenomenological study examines lived experiences and perceptions of Christian parents of young children to investigate their approaches to faith activity and nurture and the extent to which this includes authenticity of welcome for young children in the modern-day church. Online survey data was analysed thematically through the lens of established theories regarding the nature of faith in the early years. Findings revealed that families with young children do wish to engage with their local church and wider Christian community, but often find existing approaches unsupportive and unhelpful. Significant adjustments are therefore required to church-led ethos and approaches to faith nurture to better serve the needs of young children. Recommendations are made for more flexibility and inclusivity within the church environment, enhanced partnership with parents, and greater church focus on co-constructing faith nurturing pathways within the home and church context to align more with relationships within the child’s microsystem. |
Keywords | Young child; Faith nurture; Spiritual wellbeing; Church |
Year | 2024 |
Journal | British Journal of Religious Education |
Publisher | Taylor & Francis |
ISSN | 0141-6200 |
1740-7931 | |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1080/01416200.2024.2373756 |
Official URL | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01416200.2024.2373756 |
Publication dates | |
Online | 07 Jul 2024 |
Publication process dates | |
Deposited | 17 Jul 2024 |
Publisher's version | License File Access Level Open |
Output status | Published |
https://repository.canterbury.ac.uk/item/986q6/is-there-a-place-for-young-children-in-the-modern-day-uk-church-investigating-approaches-to-faith-nurture-in-the-early-years
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Publisher's version
Is there a place for young children in the modern-day UK church Investigating approaches to faith nurture in the early years.pdf | ||
License: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 | ||
File access level: Open |
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